March 5, 2024
Eastatoe Passage and Raven Rock Trail
A beautiful day for a hike with partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures mostly in the mid-60's. The trails on the one-way hike were in very good condition with just a few easily passable blow-downs. The two 95-foot suspension bridges were fun to cross, 2-hikers at a time. We made a turn to the right 2/3's of the way toward Keowee-Toxaway State Park to complete the Raven Rock Loop with a stop a Raven Rock for lunch and the nice views from that point. We completed the hike over Natural Bridge. This is a moderately difficult hike with numerous switch-backs up many of the longer climbs.
Today's hikers: Jack Treadman, Bobbie Broussard, Lynn Hotle, Londa Sprinkle, Jenny Bell, Renee Corbett, Linda Shultz, Pam Hembree, Terre Pratt, Don Pratt, Cindy Hogsed, Cindy Angliss, Jane Brown, Matt Henderson & Mike Bell.
The route
7.4 mi · 1,473 ft climbing · 4h 12m out, 3h 34m walking · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (19)
One of two 150-foot nicely built Zeke suspension bridges on this hike. Today's hikers (L-R) Rear: Jack, Bobbie, Londa, Jenny, Linda, Pam, Terre, Don, Cindy H, Cindy A, Jane & Matt; Front: Mike, Lynn & Renee. Getting ready at the Dug Mountain Angler Access Parking Area. Getting started under SC Hwy 11 along Eastatoe Creek First Zeke suspension bridge across Eastatoe Creek . . . nice! Crossing the first suspension bridge . . . just take it easy. The second Zeke Bridge across the Little Eastatoe Creek. Londa and Lynn crossing the second Zeke Bridge. Eastatoe Creek between the two bridges. Terre Pratt eyed these along the trail. Ray Lovett would be proud of you for sighting those "little brown jugs" on the Wild Ginger. Nice switch-backs on several of the longer climbs. This hike included sections of these trails Hey! First wildflower seen today and this Spring. Ah, but these Trout Lilies were the "Wildflowers of the Day." Not all hills had switch-backs and about this point I think many were thinking of lunch. And here is it is, Raven Rock! You know, it's hard to get people to smile while they are eating. However, Pam's got a big enough smile for everyone. A parting view up Lake Keowee. Crossing Natural Bridge over Eastatoe Creek on our last leg of the hike. Good job everyone!